My life is so busy. Yours too, right? Busy seems to be the cadence of our world, and I often hear proclamations from others (and from myself) on just how very busy we are; how there is always something more to do. For me, unfortunately, this busyness routine I've embraced over the years has generally transformed me into a person with the inability to rest easily or slow down, even when I should. It usually takes a vacation: a complete separation from "normal" life in order to be able to lay aside my ever growing to-do list. I'm … [Read more...]
What’s the Difference Between Career And Calling?
When does a job not feel like a job? Simple — when you know it to be a calling. One of the biggest secrets to making the most of your formative young adult years is allowing God the space to speak to you about how you were designed and gifted, how you were infused with passion for something, and how your gifts, talents, and passions can make a difference in the world. A SENSE OF PLACE Finding the place where your unique gifting and passion can bring blessing and relief to those who hurt and struggle in our world — that’s … [Read more...]
Why It’s Time to Overcome the Fear of Commitment
More options exist for you today regarding education, career, relationships, and experiences than for any prior generation. You possess a burning desire to make your life significantly count, and you don’t want to get it wrong. You might be hesitant to committing to life’s decisions due to distrusting the future. You’re afraid of messing it up. Many people are fearful of making wrong decisions, thus distorting God’s entire plan for their lives. Some people—especially young adults—believe God has mapped out every twist and turn of … [Read more...]
What To Do When Things Don’t Go As Planned
So, you have in hand the diploma and the student debt to prove that you spent four years in college. You have typed your resume, and you have a bit of work experience. You have a plan and plenty of excitement and optimism about getting your new career off the ground. Not so fast … The game has changed significantly in the time since our parents and guidance counselors graduated college and found their first jobs. The narrative of college, graduation, and career we were promised will unfortunately not unfold before us, as if by … [Read more...]
Why Patience Is A Process
We all have a specific calling in life. Some of us already know what that is, and others are struggling to find it. Either way, we all have an idea of where we want to end up in life. For some, we want to be the next great doctor or nurse who uses their medical expertise to provide healthcare to impoverished people across the world. Still, others desire to use their artistic talents to change the world through media and music. Some, like myself, feel called to preach and teach God’s Word and build up the church. All of these careers … [Read more...]
3 Tips for Getting Your Life On Track
If you're feeling a bit lost about the direction you want to take in life, you're certainly not alone (though that may not make you feel any better about it)! When we're young, the world is our oyster, and the possibilities are limitless--and that may be part of the problem. There are so many directions you can go that it's common to suffer from a bit of analysis paralysis. But, there's hope. You just need to be willing to engage in a bit of self-reflection. 1. Decide What YOU Want and Value Far too often, people fall prey … [Read more...]
Why You Must Lead Yourself Before Leading Others
I don't like to fly. I believe that if God had really wanted humans to fly a lot, he would have given us a couple of wings on our back. Occasionally, though, something calls on the other side of the country or that's just too far away to drive. When forced, I will fly. I fly probably 5-6 times a year. I'm not a pro flyer, but I'm no rookie either. I've flown my share, even though I don't have medallion status. Everytime I get on a plane, I dread having to sit and wait for everyone else to board (I'm impatient, so I try to be one … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Avoid Mental Overload
With demanding schedules, intense workloads, and the desire to succeed in all areas, it’s easy to get bogged down with responsibilities and even make an idol out of achievement. With that in mind, what things in your life (“good” things) are preventing or hindering you from pressing into God's presence? As I reflected on this question, I found several hindrances (also known as idols) that were holding me back from complete abandonment to the Lord, and they simply weren’t necessary. Perhaps you have some of those too. It's … [Read more...]
18 Ways to Make the Most of Your Workday (Part 2)
Editor's Note: Part 2 of "18 Ways to Make the Most of Your Workday." You can read Part 1 here. 10. Skip the watercooler gabbing. Gossip is enticing. “Hey did you hear that about …” begs an “ooh, do tell.” But when it comes right down to it, juicy tidbits cause more strife than they're worth. When asked how Christians can best live out their faith on the job, Kevin Miller, author of Surviving Information Overload, says, “Gossip less. It's so easy for me to get pulled into unkind conversations about … [Read more...]
18 Ways to Make the Most of Your Workday (Part 1)
Work. Sometimes it's a place where you're cranking out ideas and projects like a well-oiled machine. Other times, you're squeaking through the day, easily distracted. And trust us, we know it's tough to get everything done. With the workplace in a constant state of change and many companies forced to consolidate job responsibilities to keep down costs, there's typically more work than seems possible to accomplish. But before you let out a sigh or start screaming, “Is it Friday yet?” for the third time in an hour, there … [Read more...]
